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VINELAND – The Vineland Police rejected the cancellation of their National Police Week Observance where they salute those who served and honor the legacies of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced them to scale back the ceremony, but not the sentiment, said host Police Captain Dave Cardana, noting it was the first time in nearly four decades they could not invite public participation.

“We stand here today on the shoulders of giants - law enforcement officers who have come before us, and those who have paid the ultimate price, so others may live in peace,” Public Safety Director Edwin Alicea said during the ceremony Wednesday.

Nearly 22,000 names of officers who died in the line of duty are etched upon the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC.

This year, 307 names will be added, Alicea said, adding with a heavy heart that 12 are from New Jersey. Eight were members of the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey Police Department.

The Policemen's Benevolent Association Local 266 and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 8 placed memorial wreaths at the entrance of the Vineland Police headquarters to mark the National Police Week ceremony(Photo: Deborah M. Marko)

The public safety director urged the community to keep the Vineland police in their prayers.

“The building behind me is the headquarters where approximately 145 officers, men and women, come to work so you and I can sleep safely at night," Alicea said.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vineland Police Department scaled back its observance of National Police Week and for the first time in nearly 40 years, they could not invite the public to participate.(Photo: Deborah M. Marko)

Mayor Anthony Fanucci called for a moment of silence for all the fallen officers, their families, and everyone who they had impacted in life.

“I ask our members of the public today to remember all those who serve,” the mayor said. “This COVID-19 virus has had an additional effect on so many people, not just physically, but mentally.”

Deborah M. Marko is a senior reporter with The Daily Journal. Currently focused on breaking news and education issues, she also oversees community outreach programs that promote literacy and public safety. Got a story idea? Call 856-563-5256. Follow on Twitter: @dmarko_dj Instagram: deb.marko.dj Help support local journalism with a The Daily Journal subscription.